Birth in Color RVA
Using AI to Create a Web App for Maternal Care & Access
Used artificial intelligence to design a web app prototype for Birth in Color, a maternal support organization based in Richmond, VA.
Project Summary
A high-fidelity prototype for a progressive web app, using AI tools for iterative design.
Deliverables
See the full project breakdown below. ⬇️
Role
Researcher & App Designer
Stakeholder Input, Contextual Inquiry, Field Observation
Research Tools
Design Tools
Bolt, Netlify & Cursor
Timeframe
4 Months
Key iframes from my web app are undergoing review to be integrated into their statewide perinatal website.
Impact
Navigation Hub
Birth in Color serves mothers and families in the Richmond, Virginia area, with a focus on supporting black and minority communities.
Since 2018, the organization has been on a mission to “bring cultural inclusivity to the forefront of Maternal Health Reproductive Justice narratives.” Through community events, workshops, and policy advocacy, Birth in Color has established itself as a key advocate for reproductive support in Virginia’s political hub, particularly in its capital, Richmond.
There is an opportunity for Birth in Color to strengthen its digital presence by developing a web app that would enhance user access to its services and support network.
The Context
The Ask
How might we create a web application for Birth in Color to better connect its users to their services?
Journey Map: My First Advocacy Experience with Birth in Color
In January 2025, I joined their Advocacy Day at the Virginia General Assembly to observe how they connect with healthcare professionals and state leaders. The experience gave me valuable insight into the challenges families face in accessing quality maternal care, directly informing my app’s design.
Explore my journey map below for a detailed breakdown of my experience and the insights gathered.⬇️
Journey Map: My Trip to Birth in Color’s Black Maternal Health Summit
At the Birth in Color Summit in April 2025, I used contextual inquiry and ethnographic observation methods.
I gained firsthand insights into care gaps and maternal health challenges by engaging with subject matter experts, including clinicians, doulas, and advocacy leaders.
Explore my timeline below to see key moments and insights from the event. ⬇️
Main Insight
Aide-Outsider Interactions Are the Core of Impact
Birth in Color’s Advocacy Day & Summit were two field research experiences that showed me directly how reproductive aides connecting with both their patients and medical professionals are the core of maternal healthcare support.
I learned:
Over 30% of Virginia counties are considered maternal healthcare deserts
How a black patient facing transportation barriers and being unable to attend medical appointments shifts perception toward them by medical personnel who may be unaware of the lack of accessibility
The nuances of what qualifies as a “high-risk” pregnancy
All of this improved my understanding of empathetic product design and maternal healthcare as a whole.
My Birth in Color web app prototype— built using Netlify and Cursor—is an ongoing project that I am actively refining to present to the organization and enhance its impact and usability.
Solution
Progressive Web App Revisions Based on Feedback
After collaborating with the Creative Director for Birth in Color, we’ve realigned the project focus to better address the organization's long-term needs. This process has given me valuable experience with a real non-profit organization, especially with revising based on stakeholder feedback and navigating project challenges.
Check out my updated project plan below. As I make progress, tasks will be marked as complete. ⬇️
Project Reflection
I am proud of the primary research conducted for this project. Immersing myself in a type of political advocacy that I believe in and using my research skills to gather insights which directly shape the solution were the highlights of this experience.
Check out my other projects below. ⬇️